How To Schedule A Georgia DDS Appointment

December 2, 2025
5 Min Read

Navigating government services in Georgia can be confusing because the state splits “DMV” services between two entirely different agencies. If you go to the wrong office, you will be turned away.

  • For Driver’s Licenses & IDs: You must visit the Department of Driver Services (DDS).
  • For Vehicle Tags & Titles: You must visit your local County Tax Commissioner’s Office (Department of Revenue).

This guide will show you exactly how to schedule an appointment for the DDS (for your license) and how to find the correct booking system for your vehicle registration.

How To Schedule An Appointment at Georgia DDS (For Licenses)

The Georgia DDS strongly encourages appointments for all in-person services. While some centers accept walk-ins, priority is given to appointments, and wait times for walk-ins can be hours long.

The DDS uses the “GO” (Georgia Online) system to manage bookings. Here is the step-by-step process:

  1. Access the Official Portal: Visit the Georgia DDS Appointment Scheduler.
  2. Select “Schedule an Appointment”: This will take you to the booking engine.
  3. Choose Your Service: You must be specific. Select from options like:
    • Road Test (Non-Commercial)
    • Motorcycle Skills Test
    • License/ID Renewal or Replacement
    • First Issuance (Learner’s Permit)
  4. Answer the Pre-Screening Questions: The system will ask if you have the required documents.
  5. Select a Location: Choose the DDS Customer Service Center (CSC) nearest you.
  6. Pick a Date and Time: Slots fill up fast (often weeks in advance). If you don’t see a slot, try checking early in the morning when cancellations are released.
  7. Confirm: Enter your name, phone number, and email. You will receive a confirmation number—save this. You will need it to check in at the kiosk when you arrive.

Georgia DDS Appointment Phone Number

If you are unable to use the online scheduler, you can contact the DDS Contact Center. Please note that hold times can be long.

  • Contact Center: (678) 413-8400
  • Toll-Free (Outside Metro Atlanta): (866) 754-3687
  • Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

How To Schedule A Georgia Permit Test Appointment

If you are at least 15 years old, you can apply for a Learner’s Permit (Class CP). You must pass a two-part Knowledge Exam.

The Appointment Process: Follow the steps in the section above, but specifically select “First Issuance” or “Knowledge Test” as your service type.

What You Need to Know About the Test:

  • Format: There are two sections: Road Rules (20 questions) and Road Signs (20 questions).
  • Passing Score: You must get at least 15 out of 20 (75%) correct on both sections to pass.
  • Documents for Teens: If you are under 18, you must bring a Certificate of School Enrollment (DS-1) signed by your school within the last 30 days.

How To Schedule A Georgia Road Test Appointment

The Road Skills Test is the final step to getting your Class D Provisional License. Appointments are mandatory for road tests.

  1. Log into the DDS Scheduler.
  2. Select “Road Test (Non-Commercial).”
  3. Pre-Payment: You may be asked to pay the license fee online to secure the slot.
  4. Joshua’s Law: If you are 16 or 17, you must bring proof that you completed a certified Driver’s Ed course (30 hours classroom + 6 hours behind the wheel).
  5. The Vehicle: You must provide your own vehicle. It must have valid registration, valid insurance, and pass a safety inspection (working blinkers, brake lights, etc.) before the test begins.

Georgia Vehicle Registration Appointment (Tags & Titles)

Important Warning: You cannot schedule vehicle registration appointments on the DDS website. Vehicle services are handled by your County Tax Commissioner.

Every county in Georgia works differently:

  • Large Counties (e.g., Gwinnett, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton): Usually allow online appointment scheduling via their specific county websites.
  • Smaller Counties: Usually operate on a walk-in basis only.

How to Find Your Tag Office:

  1. Visit the Georgia DOR Service Location tool.
  2. Select your county of residence from the dropdown.
  3. Visit that specific county’s website to see if they offer an “Appointment” or “Wait Line” feature.

Note: If you are new to Georgia, you have 30 days to register your vehicle. If you need to drive legally before your permanent plate arrives, check our guide on how to get a Georgia temporary tag.

How To Schedule A Real ID (SecureID) Appointment

In Georgia, a Real ID is called “SecureID” (identified by a gold star in the corner). If you are renewing and do not have a gold star, you must visit in person.

  1. Book an appointment for “Renewal/Replacement.”
  2. The Document Checklist: You cannot just bring your old license. You must bring:
    • Identity: Original Birth Certificate or Passport.
    • SSN: Social Security Card or W-2.
    • Residency: Two documents proving your physical address (e.g., utility bill, bank statement, lease).
    • Name Change: Certified marriage certificate(s) if your current name doesn’t match your birth certificate.

Best Times To Visit Georgia DDS Offices

If you cannot get an appointment and must walk in, strategic timing is key to avoiding 4-hour wait times.

  • Avoid: Tuesdays (the day after the office is closed on Monday) and Saturdays (if your location is open).
  • Best Days: Wednesday or Thursday.
  • Best Time: Arrive 30 minutes before the office opens, or try mid-morning (10:00 AM). Avoid lunch hours (12:00 PM – 2:00 PM).

Georgia DDS Online Services (Skip the Appointment)

Before you book a visit, check if you can complete your task online or via the DDS 2 GO Mobile App.

  • License Renewal: Most residents can renew online every other cycle (every 8 years).
  • Address Change: You can update your address online (see our Georgia Address Change Guide).
  • Reinstatement: You can often check your status and pay fees online without visiting a center (see our Georgia License Reinstatement Guide).
  • Driving History: You can download your MVR (Motor Vehicle Report) instantly.
Conclusion

Scheduling a Georgia DDS appointment is the best way to save time, but you must ensure you are booking with the right agency. Remember: DDS is for your license, and the County Tax Office is for your car. By using the online scheduler and gathering your SecureID documents beforehand, you can be in and out of the office in under 30 minutes.